Kyrgyz Election Chief Says Threatened By Candidate

April 11, 2006 12:13 GMT

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Kyrgyz Election Chief Says Threatened By Candidate

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Tuigunaly Abdraimov (file photo) (RFE/RL)
BISHKEK, April 11, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The chairman of Kyrgyzstan's Central Election Commission, Tuigunaly Abdraimov, said he was threatened by Rysbek Akmatbaev, a reputed criminal figure who won a by-election to parliament but is still under investigation for murder.

"Yesterday [April 10], after my press conference was shown [ontelevision], as I was sitting in the office of Education MinisterDosbol Nur-uulu, [Rysbek] Akmatbaev called my [mobile] phone andthreatened to kill and destroy me," Abdraimov said. "I knew him by hisvoice. However, I need to say that despite such threats, we will actwithin the framework of the law."

Abdraimov's allegation comes as the commission is witholding itsofficial announcement of Akmatbaev's right to claim the seat he won inthe by-election on April 9. Abdraimov said the country's parliamentwill have to decide if Akmatbaev can take his seat.

Akmatbaev has been jailed twice for robbery and assault. He was alsoacquitted after being accused of killing a policeman. However, theacquittal is being appealed, meaning Akmatbaev is still officiallyunder investigation. For that reason, Kyrgyz law says Akmatbaev shouldnot be able to run for public office.

The election commission already rejected his candidacy once, sparkingprotests from Akmatbaev's supporters. A Bishkek city court overturnedthe decision and days later, the Supreme Court upheld that decision.